The Screwtape Letters mandmbowles

Because the Patient has made two new friends who are "great laughers," Screwtape advises Wormwood on the causes of human laughter and the usefulness of each in leading the Patient away from the Enemy.

According to Wormwood, the patient has expanded his friend group to include some who are "great laughers." Screwtape coaches Wormwood on categories of laughing, offering comments on how to use each to Wormwood's benefit.

Screwtape continues instructing Wormwood on how to use the patient's "troughs" to draw him away from Christianity, especially by using his desires against him.

Screwtape cautions his nephew against being too happy about the spiritual "trough" the patient is going through, reminding Wormwood that the Enemy makes use of the troughs.

After reminding Wormwood that he is not to let his patient become aware of Wormwood's existence, Screwtape deals with the issue of whether to encourage the patient to become a pacifist or a patriot.

Wormwood's patient finds out that he is eligible for military service, and Screwtape coaches Wormwood on the nuances of using fear to turn the patient away from the Enemy.